1. UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TESTAMENT DEACON
I. INTRO
Read 1Tim 3:8-13.
II. WORKS OF SERVICE
III. THE ACTS 6 MEN
IV. A SUPRACULTURAL AND CULTURAL SEQUENCE
V. WHY THE NEED FOR OFFICIAL SERVANTS

2. VI. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEACONS AND SHEPHERDS
As most churches know, conflict between shepherds and deacons is not uncommon and can arise from both sides.
The work of shepherds and deacons frequently overlaps.
~ Only through effective communication, love, and trust can such conflicts be avoided.

3. In many churches, deacons misunderstand their role.
~ Deacons are subordinate to overseer-elders.
~ We must also understand that shepherds can perform all the functions of deacons, but deacons cannot perform all the functions of shepherds.

4. ~ Unlike deacons, shepherds are
~ Unlike deacons, shepherds are responsible for the overall leadership, supervision, and teaching of the congregation.
~ Therefore, deacons are not independent of the leadership oversight of the shepherds.
AS CHURCH LEADERS, THE SHEPHERDS NEED TO CLARIFY REGULARLY WHAT THE DEACONS’ DUTIES WILL BE.

5. Shepherds also need to understand that deacons have their own office and duties to perform.
~ Shepherds who don’t respect those duties, or who don’t understand the deacons’ role, will unnecessarily interfere with the deacons’ work.

6. THEREFORE, GOOD COORDINATION BETWEEN SHEPHERDS AND DEACONS IS VITAL TO A SMOOTH WORKING RELATIONSHIP.
~ 1Cor 14:40
VII. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS
Those qualifications relate to their spiritual character, not their function.

7. ~ In fact, no specifics are given in. Scripture as to the duties of
~ In fact, no specifics are given in Scripture as to the duties of deacons.
Just an important remark at this juncture: THE STANDARD FOR DEACONS IS IN NO WAY INFERIOR TO THAT REQUIRED OF ELDERS.
~ only difference: overseers should “able to teach” (3:2)
Read 1Tim 3:8-10, 12.

8. Paul gives five areas in which a deacon must be qualified.
Personal Character
Read 1Tim 3:8.
“Dignity”
~ “serious,” or “stately” or “grave” (kjv); being serious in mind as well as in character.

9. ~ A deacon must not be a silly,. flippant person, one who makes
~ A deacon must not be a silly, flippant person, one who makes light of serious matters.
“not double-tongued”
~ A deacon’s speech must not be hypocritical, but be characterized by integrity, consistency, and honesty.
Not “addicted to much wine”
~ He is not to be preoccupied with drink, nor to allow it to influence his life.

10. not be “fond of sordid gain”
~ He must not use his office as a means to make money.
~ It is essential, then, that deacons be free from any love of money that could compromise their honesty.